Eldership @ LGCC
Elders are described as ‘Presbureros’ which means an older or more experienced Christian (1 Timothy 3:6; 5:17 ), the emphasis here is on maturity in the faith and in life, not just age. Elders are also described as shepherds of the flock, a protector, and also a manager and steward. Elders are relied on for their trustworthiness and ability in practical and financial matters. The bible describes the leadership in the plural as apposed to a single leadership of the church. Elders are therefore to be an ‘eldership’ and those who are part of it are to be genuine team players. Being an Elder is an office and a position conferred upon a person by appointment and affirmation of others:
The Relationship with the Senior Pastor.
The New Testament pattern is a plurality of elders in each local church. From among those elders, one specific person will be the primary leader of that church, (generally called ‘pastor’ in the modern context – or ‘senior pastor’).
For example:
- Timothy in Ephesus (1 & 2 Timothy)
- Titus in Crete (Titus 1:5)
- James in Jerusalem (Acts 12:17; 15:13; also Galatians 2:12).
- Jesus and His disciples also act as a model to this pattern, Peter then ‘stood out’ from amongst the disciples as primary leader in the early inception of the church at Pentecost. (See Acts 1:15).
The Relationship with the congregation.
It is important that the elders of a local church are well known, stand out and are connected in relating directly to the body of the church.
Qualifications for Elders at LGCC.
- Elders at LGCC must have been a Christian for five years and belonged to LGCC for two years. 1Timothy 3:6
- Elders are tithe payers and attend regularly.
- Elders have a proven record of ministry involvement or support. Titus 1:7
- An Elder must have a good reputation in their family, place of work, community and in the church. Titus 1:6-7; 1Timothy 3:2,7
- An Elder must demonstrate a healthy attitude to family life, even if they themselves are not married. 1 Timothy 3:2-4; Titus 1:6
- An Elder must be above reproach in their dealing with the opposite sex.
- An Elder must be responsible in their personal financial matters. Titus 1:7
- An Elder is growing in their maturity in Christ and is actively seeking to grow in their spiritual life and character development and particularly exhibit self control. Titus 1:8-9; Acts 20:28.
- An Elder must have a responsible attitude to Alcohol. An Elder will never get drunk. An Elder will only use drugs for medical purposes. An Elder will not exhibit an addictive personality in matters of relationships, leisure activities or substances. 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7
- An Elder will be active in personal devotions and spiritual disciplines. Titus 1:9
The Role of an Elder @ LGCC
- An Elder provides spiritual oversight and covering to the church. This means they watch for the health of the church not in terms of personal preference but in terms of if the church is holding to its stated vision, philosophy, and culture.
- An Elder brings wise counsel to the ministry team. The Elder is to offer insightful comments upon the ministry of the church.
- The Eldership oversees major policy decisions.
- The Eldership ensures that the finances of the church are dealt with responsibly.
- The Elder shepherds the flock through connection, visibility, example, and availability. Elders at LGCC are supportive by presence and action and connection to the congregation at large
- Elders pray for the sick and offer a prayer cover for the church.
- Elders are to protect the church from false doctrine and be able to teach in various contexts. They ensure the flock are being fed in Christian teaching.
- The Elders are to protect and promote the ministry of the Senior Leader and the ministry staff.
- The Eldership is to make sure the gospel is preached by LGCC and the testimony of LGCC to the local community and world is kept worthy of Christ.
Categories of Elders.
Elders—affirmed every five years by the
members of the congregation.
Probationary Elders—Non-‘voting’ Elders but able to speak. These would consist of MIT’s in their first year of training, and newly affirmed Elders for the first six months of their tenure.
Consulting Elders—Mature Apostolic figures who may not be based at LGCC but are a spiritual partner to our ministry. Consulting Elders would have tenure of two years and be nominated by the Senior Minister and invited by the Eldership.
